Gasoline poisoning: what to do if you swallowed gasoline or inhaled fumes: what to do and how to treat, reasons, what to take

Good afternoon, many will be interested in understanding their health and their loved ones, and I will tell you my experience, and we will talk about How to help a person with gasoline poisoning. Most likely, some details may differ, as was the case with you. Please note that you should always consult with highly specialized specialists and not self-medicate. Naturally, you can quickly find the answer to the simplest questions and diagnose yourself. Write your questions/suggestions in the comments, and together we will improve and supplement the quality of the material provided.

What to do if you are poisoned by gasoline

Gasoline poisoning is quite common.
Of course, this most often happens to employees of oil-related enterprises and gas stations. However, this can happen to anyone, for example if someone decides to use gasoline as a cleaning agent. Gasoline is a mixture of light hydrocarbons that ignites very easily, which is why it is the most popular fuel, including for rockets. Paraffin is also produced from it and used as a solvent. The toxicity of gasoline depends on its type and how much narcotic hydrocarbons it contains, especially aromatic ones: they are the most dangerous.

Due to its volatility, gasoline most often poisons people through the respiratory tract. Less common but possible options are the skin and mucous membranes, as well as the esophagus. In the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), gasoline intoxication has code 10-T52.0. This means that this poisoning refers to the toxic effects of petroleum products.

Regardless of the route of entry into the body, gasoline has an extremely negative effect on it. It causes a chemical burn on the skin and mucous membranes. When inhaled, it “clogs” the bronchial passages and interferes with normal breathing.

Typically, the causes of gasoline poisoning are:

actions at gas stations;
actions at oil refineries;
repair work.

Household actions associated with pouring gasoline from one container to another. Most often, a funnel or rubber tube is used and helps the process by sucking gasoline into the mouth, which leads to involuntary swallowing of fuel.

Precautionary measures

In most cases, the release of household chemicals is detected in children who, out of curiosity, swallow a toxic liquid - vinegar or gasoline, carelessly left in a visible place. The second common option is swallowing gasoline while suctioning it through the hose.

For information! What to do when the victim not only swallowed gasoline, but was also poisoned by its fumes? Immediate action: remove or remove the patient from the gas-filled space and provide access to fresh air.

Prevention of poisoning by aggressive substances - storing hazardous compounds in places inaccessible to children and mandatory labeling of containers with their contents.

What happens if you drink gasoline?

Judging by the fact that the Indian boy named Sanjeet is still alive and quite healthy, probably nothing will happen. The boy has been drinking fuel internally for eight years. This addiction to gasoline became a problem for his parents. But at least it would help Sanjit.

The boy, who currently lives in Kampur, has become a headache for local drivers. He sneaks into parking lots and uses a hose to slowly suck gasoline out of cars' fuel tanks. According to the boy’s parents, the harmful activity has been going on for quite some time. Even at the age of two, Sanjeet loved to smell the smell of gasoline spilled on the ground. One day he emptied the fuel tank of a neighbor's car.

The parents of this unusual boy tried many times in a variety of ways to wean their son from such a strange habit, but, alas, to no avail. Doctors are also powerless in this case: they say that for some people such a habit is something similar to drug addiction. If you sniff, let alone drink, gasoline, the narcotic “high” will come instantly.

However, such a bad habit can destroy the nervous system in a couple of weeks. Important human organs will begin to fail. Doctors also noticed that the boy was clearly mentally retarded and showed no interest in studying.

But the boy’s compatriot, Sanjip Chatterjee, opposed the doctors’ arguments. At the age of five, he could calmly drink a glass of gasoline. Despite this, at the age of 20, the young man feels great and his mental abilities are no less than those of other normal people.

Local doctors initially perceived this phenomenon as a disease. But after an examination, which showed that all of the guy’s organs were fully performing their functions and functioning normally, the doctors threw up their hands. The guy got excellent grades during his school years. Now he shows himself to be a hard worker with excellent physical development. It just smells like petroleum products, but that's a minor thing.

Oddly enough, quite a large number of people can drink gasoline without harm to their health.

Brian Taylor, 36 years old, was banned by a Teesside court from appearing near petrol stations. Taylor loved to get some petrol and after taking the “hot drink” he organized merry dances in the local square. The court fined the man and threatened to put him behind bars in the next attempts at theft. Over the past year, Brian has gone to work about fifty times. The man preferred unleaded gasoline, but could be satisfied with diesel fuel.

Chinese resident Cheng Shumei from the village of Datong only inhaled gasoline fumes as a child. Having matured, I began to slowly use it internally. Due to the limited availability of gasoline, I later switched to using diesel fuel, which was much easier to obtain. Today, a woman can easily determine the quality of diesel fuel by taste and smell. Cheng says that diesel fuel brings her pleasure and warms her throat. The only drawback is an itchy throat after excessive consumption of diesel fuel. Without taking another portion of flammable liquid, the woman feels discomfort and weakness.

In the city of Lipetsk lived Dmitry Butakov, who is not sick with anything, as he constantly drinks gasoline of various brands. Thus, according to him, a man develops his immunity. When Dmitry was working as an electrician, he accidentally touched the wires and was struck by an electric shock of 10,000 volts. Having survived clinical death, the man gained the ability to eat real poisons without harm to his health.

But there is a limit to everything. The “Lord of Immunity” died after drinking half a liter of antifreeze. True, after the autopsy, doctors were unable to give an exact determination of the cause of Dmitry’s death. There were no poisons in his body.

To drink or not to drink is a purely individual decision. And it’s better not to use gasoline, diesel fuel and other fuels and lubricants. Life is already short, so drink milk and be healthy.

In the modern world, gasoline poisoning is a fairly common occurrence. At the same time, the risk of inhaling toxic fumes is present not only for gas station workers, but also for people who have started repairs using any of the gasoline-containing solvents. Poisoning can have extremely serious and even irreversible consequences. For this reason, it is necessary to identify the problem in a timely manner, provide the victim with medical assistance and call an ambulance for further treatment.

Symptoms of gasoline poisoning

Inhalation of small amounts of gasoline can lead to mild or moderate toxicity. At first, many people mistake it for severe alcohol intoxication. So, in case of gasoline vapor poisoning, the following symptoms are observed:

dizziness and general weakness;
redness of the skin;
impaired coordination of movements and, as a result, an uncertain “swaying” gait;
emotional overexcitation, laughter for no apparent reason;
severe tachycardia;
nausea, which may progress to vomiting;
pain in the respiratory area.

If the patient inhales too much gasoline vapor, he begins to experience severe intoxication, which manifests itself as follows:

a sharp increase in body temperature up to 40 degrees;
fainting;
convulsions;
hallucinations.

When very large volumes of gasoline are spilled or during car accidents, a person immediately loses consciousness and loses the ability to breathe. Such situations are the most dangerous.

If gasoline gets into the lungs, a person develops “gasoline pneumonia.” This often happens to drivers or mechanics who are trying to drain fuel from a tank using suction into a hose. Then the following manifestations of the disease begin:

pain in the lung where the fuel entered;
blue skin;
shortness of breath during any physical exertion, and in especially severe cases - even without any exertion, even with complete rest;
cough with so-called “rusty sputum”, that is, mixed with bloody discharge;
general malaise with a strong rise in temperature.

There are cases when a person accidentally or even intentionally swallowed gasoline. This mostly happens by accident, when pouring this liquid from one container to another, when trying to drain it from a tank, or when gasoline is mistaken for juice or some other drink. Sometimes people try to take their own lives with the help of this chemical. This method of suicide is not particularly popular, but precedents exist. And finally, some people are just curious about what happens if you drink gasoline.

Regardless of the reason for fuel entering the human esophagus, toxic effects begin. It appears like this:

almost constant and profuse vomiting;
diarrhea;
stomach ache;
liver damage similar to non-infectious hepatitis: enlarged and painful liver, yellowness of the skin and mucous membranes, weakness throughout the body.

These are the signs of acute gasoline poisoning. It can also be chronic, occurring among workers in specialized industries. It appears like this:

feeling of constant fatigue and weakness, lack of performance;
digestive problems;
nervous system disorders, neurasthenia and hysteria;
Constantly low blood pressure, insomnia, loss of smell;
disruption of the menstrual cycle and other disorders in the reproductive organs.

If there is prolonged contact of gasoline with the skin, severe inflammation begins on it, and eczema may appear.

Where can you get gasoline poisoning?

A large number of people whose lives are somehow connected with this substance can become poisoned by gasoline vapors. Although there are also cases of flammable substances entering the body through the mouth, most often due to negligence. The main cases when you can get poisoned:

When performing work at gas stations.
Work at enterprises related to the oil refining industry.
During repair work that involves painting surfaces and using gasoline as a solvent.
For car enthusiasts, when pouring gasoline using a funnel and a rubber tube, the fuel is sucked into the mouth.

There is a high probability of swallowing gasoline when pouring it if you inhale it in your mouth. To suck the liquid, you must use a rubber bulb!

If a person has heavily inhaled gasoline or the fuel has entered the stomach, then treatment must be organized in a hospital setting. The protocol looks like this:

Petrol

- a refined petroleum product that is used as motor fuel. It is fire and explosive, contains more than 250 hydrocarbons and small amounts of additives and compounding agents.

a) Chemical composition of gasoline

. The composition of gasoline varies depending on the geographic region, season, performance requirements and blending components. The typical hydrocarbon composition of liquid gasoline (% by volume) is approximately 60-70% alkanes (straight-chain, branched-chain and cyclic), 5-10% alkenes (straight-chain and branched-chain) and 25-30% aromatic hydrocarbons.

The average concentration of benzene, a known hematotoxic agent, is approximately 1% in US gasoline (gasoline) but can be as high as 5% in European gasoline.

b) Gasoline containing lead

. Gasoline that contains more than 0.05 g of lead per 1 g of gasoline is considered leaded. Organic lead compounds are added to increase the octane number of fuel. In 1989, only 10% of gasoline in the United States was leaded. By 1997, the use of leaded gasoline was to be phased out in the United States.

However, in other countries around the world organic lead compounds are still added to gasoline. Antiknock agents that replace organic lead compounds include ethanol, methanol, methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) and tertiary butyl ether (TBE), which are usually added in concentrations of 5 to 15%.

c) Exposure to gasoline vapors

. Self-service gasoline consumers are exposed briefly during refueling to approximately 200 parts per million (ppm) of gasoline hydrocarbons and less than 1 ppm of benzene over periods of approximately 2 minutes. According to OSHA, the short-term exposure limit (SEL), averaged over 15 minutes, is 500 ppm for gasoline and 5 ppm for benzene.

Thus, exposure during self-fueling of vehicles is likely not to pose a significant risk to the public.

d) Exposure to liquid gasoline

. Exposure to liquid gasoline occurs through unintentional or intentional ingestion of gasoline, accidental skin contact, or misuse of solvent. Improper use of gasoline, especially for cleaning and degreasing floors, tools and machine parts, poses the only very serious danger to the population.

e) Occupational hazard

. Those most at risk of exposure to gasoline are refinery workers and individuals and workers involved in moving and operating underground petroleum storage tanks. People who misuse gasoline to clean garage floors or use gasoline-soaked rags to clean hands and machine parts are at risk of toxicity from both inhalation of vapors and dermal absorption. Persons who inadvertently ingest gasoline during siphoning, or persons who deliberately inhale gasoline vapors to achieve a euphoric effect, are putting their health at very serious risk.

e) Toxicokinetics of gasoline

— Suction

. Gasoline can be absorbed through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal exposure. Hydrocarbon components with higher partition coefficients between blood and lung gas (eg, xylene, benzene, toluene) exhibit higher inhalation absorption rates than components with lower partition coefficients (eg, cyclohexane, ethane, ethylene). The rate of absorption through the skin is low compared to the rate of absorption after ingestion, although aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene should be expected to penetrate the skin more quickly than alkanes.

We recommend reading: Polyps in the stomach: symptoms, treatment, dangers, causes

— Distribution

. After unintentional ingestion of gasoline, its highest concentrations are found in the liver, stomach walls and lungs. Service station employees exposed to gasoline, most likely through skin contact and inhalation, have elevated blood concentrations of hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, pentane, and hexane.

— Metabolism

. Gasoline intensifies the activity of oxygenases with mixed functions. Some gasoline hydrocarbons are oxidized by microsomal enzyme systems of the liver to form products that are easily excreted in the urine. Alkanes are stable saturated compounds that do not undergo metabolism. Most systemically absorbed alkanes are excreted unchanged through the lungs. Phenol contained in urine serves as a biological indicator of exposure to benzene and is detected in increased quantities in workers servicing gasoline pumps (on average 40 mg/l) compared to individuals who are not occupationally exposed to gasoline (less than 20 mg/l).

— Gasoline additives

. Tetraethyl lead and tetramethyl lead can be rapidly absorbed through inhalation and skin contact. Once absorbed, these organic lead compounds are rapidly dealkylated by liver enzymes to form toxic trialkyl metabolites. Trialkyl metabolites, soluble in water, can accumulate in the brain and are slowly metabolized to form inorganic lead.

Ingestion of large quantities of gasoline may result in the absorption of sufficient methanol to rapidly overload the folate-dependent metabolic pathway and cause severe toxicity. Ethanol toxicity to humans is rarely due to exposure due to inhalation of gasoline. Depending on the dose and route of exposure, 20 to 70% of absorbed MTBE is rapidly exhaled. During metabolism, MTBE is oxidized to formaldehyde and demethylated to tertiary butyl alcohol, which can then undergo further oxidation to form 2-methyl-1,2-propanediol and alpha-hydroxyisobutyric acid. These oxidation products are excreted in the urine.

g) Gasoline Poisoning Clinic

. Inhalation is the most common route of exposure. The most vulnerable organ when exposed to gasoline is the central nervous system (CNS). A single oral dose of approximately 10 ml per 1 kg of body weight (or approximately 700 ml for an adult) can be fatal. Aspiration of smaller amounts into the lungs may result in lipoid pneumonitis. Prolonged contact with liquid gasoline can lead to degreasing of the skin and cause irritation and dermatitis.

— Chronic abuse

. Chronic, intentional misuse of gasoline (such as snorting or snorting) can result in death. Chronic abuse of leaded gasoline is associated with a number of neurological disorders, including encephalopathy, ataxia and tremor. People who repeatedly snort leaded gasoline may develop neurological disorders with elevated levels of lead in the blood. Chronic abuse of gasoline through snorting can lead to cardiac arrhythmias and tachycardia.

— Respiratory effects

. In high concentrations, gasoline vapors irritate the respiratory tract. After exposure to very high concentrations of gasoline, hyperemia, pulmonary edema, acute exudative tracheobronchitis and intrapulmonary hemorrhage are observed.

— Hematopoietic effects

. Long-term exposure to gasoline vapors can lead to pathological blood changes such as anemia, hypochromia, thrombocytopenia and neutropenia, which are believed to be caused by the presence of benzene in gasoline.

— Carcinogenic effects

. The carcinogenic effects observed in experiments with laboratory animals were not identified in epidemiological studies. In 1989, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) concluded that gasoline may be carcinogenic to humans.

— Acute exposure

. Exposure to high concentrations of gasoline, regardless of the route of exposure, caused central nervous system depression, which led to confusion, tinnitus, disorientation, headaches, drowsiness, weakness, seizures and coma. Inhalation may cause respiratory irritation resulting in shortness of breath, tachypnea and wheezing. These symptoms can progress rapidly and lead to widespread pulmonary edema; a burning sensation appears in the chest. Ingestion results in pain and irritation of the mucous membranes, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea. After skin contact, irritation and dermatitis may occur; eye exposure to gasoline may induce conjunctivitis.

— Dangers of Chronic Exposure

. Exposure to gasoline and its components - benzene, p-hexane and 1,3-butadiene during refueling of a car does not pose a serious danger to consumers. Organic lead compounds can cause chronic neurological toxicity, but exposure to such compounds in gasoline in the United States has been extremely low in recent years. Ethanol, methanol and other gasoline additives pose a potential hazard, especially in cases of unintentional ingestion or suicide attempts.

h) Laboratory data of gasoline poisoning

. Proper laboratory evaluation of a patient with neurological signs and symptoms includes neurobehavioral testing and electroencephalography. After severe acute ultra-intense exposure to gasoline, degenerative changes in the liver and kidneys may be observed. They should be assessed using routine laboratory testing. In persons suspected of having ingested gasoline, the lungs should be carefully examined, including an initial chest radiograph, to determine possible aspiration.

If pulmonary symptoms progress, a repeat chest x-ray should be performed approximately 6 hours later. Pulse oximetry or arterial blood gas tests may be required to assess oxygenation.

i) Treatment of gasoline poisoning

— Acute exposure

. There are no specific antidotes for gasoline. In cases of exposure to gasoline, supportive treatment is provided. If respiratory failure develops, intubation or surgical creation of an airway may be required.

After ingesting gasoline, vomiting should not be induced due to the risk of pulmonary aspiration. The use of activated carbon should be limited. If skin or hair has been in contact with liquid gasoline, remove clothing, wash skin and hair with water (preferably in the shower) for 2-3 minutes with mild soap, rinsing thoroughly. If gasoline gets into your eyes, rinse your eyes for at least 5 minutes or until the pain stops.

— Chronic exposure

. In most cases, cessation of exposure leads to complete recovery, even in patients with CNS toxicity.

— Metabolism
. Gasoline intensifies the activity of oxygenases with mixed functions. Some gasoline hydrocarbons are oxidized by microsomal enzyme systems of the liver to form products that are easily excreted in the urine. Alkanes are stable saturated compounds that do not undergo metabolism. Most systemically absorbed alkanes are excreted unchanged through the lungs. Phenol contained in urine serves as a biological indicator of exposure to benzene and is detected in increased quantities in workers servicing gasoline pumps (on average 40 mg/l) compared to individuals who are not occupationally exposed to gasoline (less than 20 mg/l).

In adults

The algorithm for providing first aid in case of gasoline poisoning for an adult is the same as for a child.

Symptoms and causes of solvent poisoning
Features of the treatment of refrigerant intoxication
First aid for paint poisoning

In case of chronic intoxication with hydrocarbon vapors - removal from work, with further treatment in a hospital.

We recommend reading: Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity of a child: features of pediatric abdominal diagnostics, preparation of children

First aid for inhaling gasoline vapors

The harm caused by gasoline vapors is very high, so it is important to provide competent and qualified assistance. The very first measures taken in case of gasoline poisoning should be such actions.

The patient should be removed from the room filled with gasoline vapors as soon as possible.
Provide fresh air.
Drink plenty of warm tea, or if it is not available, just water, but always warm, this is necessary to get rid of toxins.
Patients in this condition feel chills, so they need to be wrapped warmly.
Give the victim activated carbon, preferably in finely crushed form.

Video: gasoline intoxication

You may also be interested in:

Lead poisoning (chronic and acute) - symptoms and treatment methods
Zinc vapor poisoning - symptoms, first aid and treatment

What to do in case of smoke poisoning - symptoms and causes

How does hydrocyanic acid poisoning occur - symptoms and signs

Treatment of poisoning in hospital

If the patient has inhaled or taken a large amount of gasoline, he is admitted to the hospital. As a rule, such patients are suitable for toxicology department; in severe cases, it is necessary to resort to the intensive care unit. In this case, the following measures are prescribed:

Detoxification of the body: administration of isotonic drugs and glucose solution intravenously.
Symptomatic treatment: if toxins have affected the kidneys and liver, their normal activity must be restored.
Compliance with a diet with a high content of vitamins B1, PP, C and minerals - iron and calcium. It is also possible to use synthetic preparations of these microelements.
Bed rest.
In the most difficult cases, blood transfusions have to be used. Typically, this occurs when too many gasoline compounds enter the bloodstream due to ingestion of fuel.
If gasoline gets into the digestive organs, it is necessary to clean them with a probe. After complete lavage of the stomach, a mixture of water, petroleum jelly and crushed activated carbon is injected into this organ.

When is medical attention required?

If you are poisoned by gasoline vapors, you must immediately call an ambulance or take the victim to the toxicology department.

The patient is indicated for oxygen therapy. In case of significant breathing disorders, it becomes necessary to transfer the patient to artificial ventilation. Antibacterial drugs and corticosteroid hormones are prescribed for anti-inflammatory purposes. To improve respiratory function, respiratory analeptics (Caffeine, Cordiamine, Camphor) are prescribed. To maintain cardiac activity, Korglucon with glucose solution is administered intravenously. To relieve pain, a 1% solution of Promedol is administered intramuscularly.

Consequences of poisoning

If too much gasoline enters the body, the following negative consequences are possible:

pathologies of the central nervous system;
damage to the epithelium of the respiratory system;
acute and chronic renal failure;
toxic pneumonia. This consequence is the most severe, in addition to the actual death. Infiltrates that arise after inflammation are located in the lower and middle parts of the lungs. In addition, the pleura is affected;
severe liver damage with loss of its functionality;
Possible death.

Preventive actions

First of all, you need to have information that tetraethyl lead can settle on surrounding objects, including clothing and exposed skin. It decomposes instantly when exposed to direct sunlight. Therefore, everyone who works at an oil refinery and similar establishments should wash their clothes more often and ventilate them in the fresh air (preferably, this should be done outside). And it is also important to know that you cannot bring it into the house and take a shower after a hard day.

The following preventive set of measures consists of observing safety precautions:

each workplace must be equipped with ventilation devices;
when working with fuel, use a gas mask, gloves and other personal protective equipment;
workers who have direct contact with gasoline are required to undergo a medical examination;
change your occupation if this causes significant harm to your precious health.

If you follow these small steps, you will be able to avoid re-poisoning.

Prevention of gasoline poisoning

To ensure safety and prevent poisoning from this chemical, the following measures should be taken.

All petroleum products available in the household must be securely hidden from children.
In areas where gasoline and similar substances are stored, good ventilation should always be provided, both at home and in factories.
All contacts with fuel must be carried out using special protective equipment: gas masks, gloves, goggles.
All employees who are on duty in contact with gasoline and its derivatives must undergo regular medical examinations.
A person who has suffered from gasoline poisoning should be protected from further work with hazardous substances. The security service must be notified about the case of intoxication and measures must be taken to prevent similar cases in the future.

source

Poisoning with other products of the oil refining industry

Poisoning with various petroleum products is common, especially in children of all ages. Kerosene and diesel fuel are used in the national economy almost on a par with gasoline and have the same toxic effect on the human body.

Ingestion of distillate products leads to irritation of the mucous membranes of the stomach and esophagus, and if vomiting occurs after this, the trachea may be damaged. These chemicals are quickly absorbed from the digestive tract and the toxins reach the lungs, resulting in severe pneumonia and swelling. If the victim develops a cough, this means that aspiration into the lungs has already occurred. First aid is the same as for gasoline poisoning.

It must be remembered that if the victim is less than 3 years old or is an elderly person, then you should consult a doctor immediately!

Gasoline vapor poisoning: signs, consequences, treatment

All iLive content is reviewed by medical experts to ensure it is as accurate and factual as possible.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable sites, academic research institutions and, where possible, proven medical studies. Please note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to such studies.

If you believe that any of our content is inaccurate, out of date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.

Doctors often encounter requests from patients regarding gasoline poisoning. Potential victims may include employees of service stations and gas stations, as well as car drivers themselves. Children rarely get poisoned either through negligence or due to parental neglect.

Substance abuse

Gasoline addiction is often the cause of poisoning; in most cases, it is typical for teenagers from disadvantaged families. If you inhale gasoline fumes for a long time, the following symptoms may occur:

Unconscious state.
Convulsive state.
Hemiparesis.

The consequences of this method of obtaining euphoria can be the most unpleasant:

the emergence of habit and dependence;
deterioration of brain function, which leads to a decrease in intelligence;
damage to the central nervous system.

Note! This method of obtaining pleasure can lead to disability, so if you discover a similar habit in a child, immediately send him to rehabilitation.

Epidemiology

Poisonings from chemicals and petroleum products are a serious public health issue facing the world. According to WHO, at least 350 thousand people on the planet die every year from unintentional poisoning. More than 90% of such cases are recorded in low- and middle-income countries. In addition, accidental poisonings annually result in the loss of about 7.5 million years of healthy life (years of life lost due to disability).

There are no accurate statistics showing the frequency of gasoline poisoning. However, it can be noted that intoxication with petroleum products occupies one of the first places among household and industrial chemical poisonings.

[5], [6], [7], [8], [9], [10], [11]

Why is gasoline dangerous?

As you know, gasoline is a substance used as fuel for cars. In addition, it is used for other purposes. For example, for wiping surfaces contaminated with paint, etc. Gasoline contains substances that have a detrimental effect on the human body, so safety precautions must be observed when handling it. This applies not only to gas station workers, but also to motorists. In addition, the substance can enter the child’s body. The answer to the question “What happens if you drink gasoline?” depends on how much fuel was consumed and how much time has passed since it entered the digestive tract. It is worth remembering that this chemical is also toxic if inhaled. Therefore, staying near its fumes for a long time is also dangerous.

Causes of gasoline poisoning

Gasoline poisoning is considered a severe form of intoxication, and the danger is posed by both internal consumption of the product and the ingestion of gasoline vapors into the respiratory system.

The toxic amount of gasoline for the human body is 20-50 ml. Poisoning can occur in domestic conditions (in a car garage, in transport), or in the workplace (service station, gas station, oil refineries, etc.).

The quality of the air that people breathe (especially in industrial areas and near major highways) is no less important for health and can pose a serious danger. The air contains a huge number of hydrocarbon compounds: the most dangerous of them are hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, benzene, and sulfur compounds. In combination with each other, the listed compounds can have a pronounced intoxicating effect on the human body.

Gasoline can cause both acute and chronic poisoning, depending on the dosage and time of exposure to the toxic agent.

[12], [13], [14], [15]

The effect of gasoline and its vapors on humans

Gasoline is widely used not only as a fuel for cars and various equipment: it is also widely used as a solvent for varnishes, paints, fats and rubber.

Active evaporation of this substance occurs at average temperatures. Its vapors have a higher density than air, which allows them to accumulate in the lower air layers in the room.

The degree of toxicity of gasoline is determined by the amount and type of hydrocarbons that have a narcotic effect. The most dangerous among them are aromatic ones.

Given the volatility of the substance, poisoning most often occurs when it enters the body through the respiratory system. Another route is through the mucous membranes and skin, since it is an active fat solvent. It is also possible that it enters the food tract.

Risk factors

There is a high risk of gasoline poisoning in the following categories of the population:

gas station workers;
for workers in the field of oil refining and transportation of petroleum products;
for builders, repairmen and representatives of other professions whose work involves the use of gasoline as a solvent and cleaning agent;
for motorists;
for workers in the field of automotive repair and vehicle maintenance.

[16], [17], [18], [19], [20], [21]

Who can go

Gasoline poisoning is a common situation. At risk are:

Employees of oil refineries, as well as those working in any other industries related to the production and refining of gasoline - they may experience chronic intoxication due to constant inhalation of vapors of the substance in low concentrations. In case of accidents or safety violations, acute injuries may occur.
Those who use gasoline for domestic purposes - inhalation of gasoline vapor occurs when performing repairs, using it as a solvent, or pouring liquids in a cramped, enclosed room. Solvent vapor poisoning is also common, with symptoms similar to those described below.
Car enthusiasts - the problem of swallowing gasoline is often encountered by car enthusiasts who use the hose as a siphon, sucking gasoline in order to drain it from the car tank.
Substance abusers—teenagers who “puff gasoline” or use it to make drug mixtures—are also not uncommon today.

Pathogenesis

Gasoline is an extremely volatile substance that easily turns into a vapor state and easily enters the lungs when inhaled, having a toxic and narcotic effect on the body. In the mechanism of development of the toxic effect, the rate of saturation of the central nervous system and blood flow with toxic agents plays a primary role. This factor is recognized as the main one in rapidly occurring intoxications. Gasoline can enter the circulatory system even through the skin, but this pattern of penetration is not significant in case of poisoning.

Gasoline vapors leave the body relatively quickly, as they are eliminated through the respiratory system.

After gasoline enters the body, the functional ability of the central nervous system is disrupted. The centers responsible for higher nervous activity suffer the most. In moderate cases, conditioned reflexes are disrupted. In severe gasoline poisoning, damage to the cerebellum and brain stem is observed. Respiratory paralysis often occurs.

The exact mechanism of the effect of gasoline on the central nervous system has not been determined. There are theories about predominant damage to the neurovascular system, about disruption of lipid metabolism in the nervous system.

The harm of gasoline on the human body: pathological anatomy

The pathomorphology of gasoline poisoning has not been sufficiently studied. It was found that during acute intoxication, hyperemia of the respiratory tract increases, small hemorrhages appear in the lung tissues and various areas of the brain, changes in the meninges are observed, and cerebral edema develops.

It has been experimentally proven that with chronic gasoline intoxication, pathological changes occur in the pulmonary vessels, in the vascular network of the urinary system, and in the liver. Damage to the cellular structures of the brain is observed.

Lightning poisoning with significant concentrations of gasoline is the most life-threatening: most often, a person immediately loses consciousness, develops a coma, and reflexively stops breathing.

[22], [23], [24], [25], [26], [27], [28], [29]

Harm from inhaling gasoline vapors

How dangerous can gasoline poisoning be? Check out the main symptoms of intoxication:

impaired consciousness, convulsions and even incomplete paralysis;
pain in the abdomen, attacks of nausea, bloody vomiting (the functioning of the liver and kidneys is disrupted, urobilin appears in the urine, and toxic hepatopathy begins to develop);
pain in the chest, formation of bloody sputum, difficulty breathing, changes in body temperature, development of toxic pneumonia.

Mild or moderate poisoning occurs when unintentional inhalation of gasoline vapors contained in the air occurs (for example, when pouring petroleum products into other containers, when using solvents, or when manufacturing rubber products). There are descriptions of cases of group intoxication.

In case of group lesions, the characteristic symptoms are:

Drunk;
bouts of hysterical laughter;
tearfulness;
hyperarousal.

Most of these manifestations are reversible, but some individuals prone to neurotic reactions may experience prolonged attacks.

How does gasoline affect the body?

The toxicity of a combustible mixture is determined by the number of carbohydrates with a narcotic effect. This chemical is not only intended as a fuel for vehicles, it can also be used to thin varnish, paint, and complex fats, as mentioned earlier. But since gasoline has a higher density than air, it accumulates closer to the floor. If you stay in such a room for a long time, you may get gasoline poisoning.

Poisoning can occur either through inhalation through the mouth or through contact with the skin or eyes. Leaded gasoline is also dangerous for humans, because its vapors contain a strong poison - tetraethyl lead. It has a negative effect on the nervous system. Aromatic diamines are considered the most dangerous.

you cannot transport gasoline in the car;
use for paint thinning;
refill cigarette lighters;
clean clothes;
other purposes for everyday use.

Depending on the time of influence of this product on the body and the concentration, poisoning can occur in chronic and acute forms. For the same reason, never store leaded gasoline in your home.

Symptoms of gasoline poisoning

If you inhale gasoline vapors for a short time, mild or moderate poisoning may develop. The clinical picture is similar to alcohol intoxication. For example, the first signs may be:

state of weakness, flushing, redness of the face;
dizziness of varying intensity;
unsteadiness when walking;
the appearance of hyperexcitation, irritability, or causeless fun;
increased heart rate;
nausea to vomiting;
sore throat, cough, difficulty breathing.

Influence

People use gasoline for more than just affordable fuel. This substance is a key component of various solvents, varnishes and paints that are actively used in everyday life, so not only gas station workers are at risk, but also ordinary housewives and everyone around them.

The appearance of gasoline vapors occurs at average temperatures, while the substance accumulates in the lower layers of air and remains in the room for a long time. The symptoms of a poisoned person are often not dangerous to health. Those who have done painting work at least once know what effect the substance produces and how quickly it passes. However, in some cases, such an accumulation of vapors poses a great threat.

There are several ways for gasoline to enter the body:

Gasoline enters the lungs along with the air - if a person inhales substances containing gasoline, he will experience the corresponding symptoms.
The substance can be absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes, causing damage to the integument.
It is possible that gasoline may get into the stomach, but this happens through negligence or during a suicide attempt in people with mental disorders.

Signs of leaded gasoline poisoning

Leaded gasoline is even more dangerous than the regular petroleum product we know. We are talking about gasoline in which ethyl liquid is mixed - a mixture of tetraethyl lead and organic solvents. This gives anti-knock properties to the product.

Leaded gasoline poisoning often occurs among workers at mixing stations, as well as among carriers who transport and store toxic fuel.

How can you recognize gasoline poisoning with tetraethyl lead?

The initial (latent) period of intoxication can last from a couple of hours to several days. Often, autonomic disorders (slow heartbeat, decreased temperature and blood pressure, increased salivation) are detected simultaneously with psychopathologies and general cerebral disorders (sleep disorders, headaches, hallucinations, etc.).

Mild variants of poisoning are manifested by headache, a feeling of pressure in the chest, a state of stupor and confusion, and apathy. A vegetopathological triad of symptoms is characteristic: slow heartbeat, drop in temperature, drop in blood pressure. Tremors of the fingers on outstretched arms, ataxia, and dysarthria are often observed.

In severe intoxications, the symptoms are more pronounced: loss of orientation, increased anxiety, a state of hyperexcitation, and delusional disorders are observed. Some patients try to hide and resist being taken to a medical facility (mania of persecution manifests itself). Psychomotor agitation can transform into a collaptoid state, which is characterized by disruption of the heart and difficulty breathing. Mental disorders often become protracted and persistent.

For chronic poisoning with leaded gasoline, the development of asthenovegetative syndrome is typical. Those affected indicate constant weakness, fatigue, lack of composure, and sleep disturbances (unstable sleep, with frequent dreams of negative content). Patients sleep poorly and little - mostly 2-3 hours a day. The pain in the head is not localized and is accompanied by a persistent feeling of heaviness.

Other signs of chronic intoxication may include:

emotional instability;
erectile dysfunction;
increased sweating, dermographism;
general lethargy, trembling of fingers, eyelids.

More severe cases are characterized by the development of toxic encephalopathy, with clinical signs of an organic disorder of the central nervous system.

[30], [31]

Assistance in a hospital setting

If gasoline is absorbed into the blood, gastric lavage will not help relieve intoxication. If the patient develops symptoms such as convulsions and loss of consciousness, it is necessary to immediately take him to the hospital. After examination, the patient is hospitalized in the intensive care unit. There, doctors monitor vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate, diuresis) and administer medication. To relieve intoxication syndrome, the patient is injected with saline solution and glucose. In case of severe damage, a blood transfusion is necessary.